Worried He Accidentally RIPPED OFF Epic Song--He Called Band…Here’s What They Said-Professor of Rock

After this rookie hit the top 10 for the first time in 1983 he was ready to take his place amongst the legends with his follow-up… Prince Rogers Nelson otherwise known as just Prince created something that he wasn’t really comfortable doing. Writing a big stadium power ballad. He actually saw Bob Seger inspire a crowd doing one of his own classics and was intrigued, believing he could write a great one. He worked up a demo and it was 10 minutes long. Then he sent it to Stevie Nicks and asked her to write lyrics… she was too overwhelmed thinking she’d ruin the song. Then when he finally finished playing one of the best guitar solos of the decade he was worried he might’ve ripped it off Journey’s recent big ballad Faithfully. So he actually called Journey and asked them to listen to it. They were so mesmerized by this that they told him to run with it. It became the power ballad of 1984 and one that would push him to the apex of all of music. Up next through interview and story the tale Purple Rain!
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It’s time to raise your Bic lighters because the lights are going down and a purple glow is coming up. Today we are revisiting an iconic and apocalyptic anthem that has captivated listeners since 1984. A long list of influencers played a role in inspiring this musical tour de force... Bob Seger, Journey, Gary Numan and Stevie Nicks. But an even longer list of people have been affected by its triumphant message since its release. We have some great interview footage as well…get ready for a true classic NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. This is the only channel where we can go from John Denver to Iron Maiden in 2.5 seconds. Every day we bring you exclusive stories from straight from the artists, as well as music history essays that give you a behind-the-scenes look at the music you love. Subscribe below no and click the bell. Also be sure to check out our Patreon for more content and our new merch, featuring our Vintage Years collection... which is appropriate because we are talking about one of the stand-out songs of the greatest year in music history. One that went all the way to #2. It should’ve been a #1 hit. So let's induct it into the Professor or Rock Hall of Fame and king it #1 all these years later.
Let’s immerse ourselves in Prince’s signature composition, I’m talking about Purple Rain. IT’S ONE OF THOSE all-time head-scratchers. I mean Prince had two #1 hits from the #1 album, how did Purple Rain come up short? That’s how great 1984 was. Actually, the song that kept Purple Rain at bay for two weeks was What with Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.
The genesis of Purple Rain was conceived from a simple observation. While Prince was on tour during 82 & 83, he often crisscrossed paths with Bob Seger in arenas throughout America’s heartland. One night, Prince asked his keyboardist Matt Fink why he thought the Detroit rocker had such appeal. Fink considered the question and said it was Seger’s powerhouse ballads like “We’ve Got Tonight” that kept his fans coming back for more. Fink then suggested that Prince should try his hand at writing that kind of anthem. He needed a song that would reach new fans!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is the greatest "raise your lighter" ballad of all time?

[@stephencoopet7860]

Always and Forever by Heatwave

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Home Sweet Home - Motley Crew

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Freebird

[@stephenbrown4211]

Freebird I Want To Know What Love Is We Are The Chsmpions

[@adolfsson2705]

FAITHFULLY by far...wish You we're here..onthe turning away PINK FLOYD....one ..Bad. U2.if ONLY turn the lighter..MUST be the Prince of Darkness. Ozzy! In their concerts. "LET ME SEE YOU FUC....ING CIGARRETE LIGHTERS"

[@jonoakvik2078]

I was in the movie Purple Rain, and it was one of the most favorite times of my life! I was cast as a "Fantasy Extra" and I appear about 5 times in the crowd scenes with wild hair and makeup. As a matter of fact, there is a very quick iconic moment in Let's Go Crazy with me licking the side of a girl's face. At the time, my older brother and I worked at First Avenue, so I go to know Prince and the members of The Revolution (as well as Vanity, who was originally cast as the lead in Purple Rain) until her departure to other things, which led casting to find Appolonia (Patty) Kotero. After filming wrapped, my brother was hired by PRN Productions and spent the next several years touring with Prince & The Rev all the way through the Lovesexy era. To this day, I still have an Original Purple Rain script signed by all the members of The Revolution, The Time, Sheila E and Prince himself!

[@LivingInTheKaliYogurt]

Amazing story! Thanks for sharing the experience!

[@trinaq]

Rest in peace, Prince, he was one of the most skilled guitar players ever, with a powerful voice to boot. He's still missed, to this very day.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@djs803]

Not just a guitarist, a true musician, composer, and lyricist. A once in a century musical genius.

[@kevinramsey417]

I'll always love his solo performing While My Guitar Gently Weeps at George Harrison's R&R Hall of Fame induction. He's on stage with all these other legends and he just lets it rip and blows them all off stage.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the greatest ever in every way.

[@Ironturbine]

The solo at the end of 'Let's Go Crazy' is crazy good.

[@Shambolicoholic]

It always makes me sad thinking about all the 1984-era legends that have passed. Prince, George Michael, Michael, Tom Petty, Eddie V., Tina Turner, Ric Ocasek, Laura Branigan. RIP legends.

[@yoneil4226]

Laura Branigan.

[@fbomb7184]

Who is Eddie V? Eddie Money I know but Eddie V?

[@TheJeep1967]

@@fbomb7184 Van Halen

[@williamh4172]

​@fbomb7184 Eddie Van Halen probably. Can't be Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam since he's still alive.

[@williamh4172]

How did you mention Rik Ocasek without mentioning Ben Orr?

[@forakermm]

I still play Purple Rain LP on Saturdays when I clean house. My kids should know each song by heart. This LP should be in the top 10 best LPs of all time. Rest in Power. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a masterpiece!

[@basara5496]

I just hope they aren't singing along with "Darling Nikki"......

[@forakermm]

@@basara5496 my kids are in their 30’s. Lol

[@tedlarson2078]

Rest in power. I like that.

[@vanessahenry7238]

The day he died, the DJ played this and I have to say I hadn't cried so hard because not only was this song beautiful - so was he! I also had a few losses at that time myself and the song just hit me and my grief. I found myself singing along towards the end like he does, found my house mate doing the same - talk about two people needing a tissue and a hug fest! Even my mum joined in and had been knowing I needed that cry! Rest in Power Sir!

[@jillwklausen]

I had no idea Prince inspired and played on Stevie Nicks' "Stand Back," or that she turned down Purple Rain. But I'm with you in that no one could have done it justice but Prince himself, no matter how talented. Prince is an icon of our Era. Thank you for another great episode, Adam. Have an excellent day.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Jill!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I knew about Prince and Stevie Nicks!

[@jessgunn6639]

i`m in agreement i`m a big fan of both prince and nicks and purple rain is one of my all time favourites! but lord i really would love to have heard what nicks would have done with it too! guess i`m just greedy lol

[@jasfan8247]

"Nightbird" another Nicks song (Similar as "Dreams") on The Wild Heart album have the same credits as Stand Back. David Bluefield for synth and drum programming. Credits on drums to the mysterious Marvin Caruso. In the special thanks section a "Murf" gets a mention. My guess this all leads to Prince. (?!)

[@garydean0308]

I believe Prince was the greatest artist of all time. He played any instrument, he easily slipped between genres. I can't believe we lost him so soon.

[@davidkeech9738]

Wow. He's #4 on my all-time overrated musicians. I just have never understood the appeal.

[@charlesbeke5536]

@@davidkeech9738 Overrated??? Prince is a lot of things, mostly supremely talented, but never overrated!

[@revwillyg6450]

@@charlesbeke5536right?

[@jenx5870]

​@@davidkeech9738There are songs that he performed that I didn't like (I never could stand Raspberry Beret, even as a child when it first came out). However, he had more hits than misses in my book. He was also an incredible musician who could play multiple instruments. His guitar skills go unnoticed by many. He was able to write hit songs not only for himself, but for multiple other people as well. Those associated with him became better musicians, and many became well known artists in their own right because of his songs and influence. Cyndi Lauper and Sinead O'Connor performed covers of his songs and made them popular. His voice and range are fantastic. I think he earned the hype.

[@IanPunter]

@davidkeech9738 Couldnt agree more. He hasnt got one song i really want to hear again. Purple rain was from a lyric of a genuinely great song; Ventura Highway by America which prince must have heard many times. Is that where he got it?

[@RC32Smiths01]

Prince, as I have said, is an absolutely paragon of music. Absolutely fitted the subsequent decades, while also showing sheer will and talent with his instrumental ability and versatility. Not only a great musician, but genuinely awe-inspiring to learn music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure. Thanks RC32! How's your week going?

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock Why it's going well, thank you! Hope yours is going great! Thanks for the great content as always.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It seems like he was there with us the entire rock era. One of the most influential artists of all time…

[@giulietta9524]

1984 was an epic year -- I still have my original copy of the album "Purple Rain", and many others -- I felt truly blessed to have spent my carefree teenage years in the awesome decade that was the '80's! Prince lives, forever! ❤

[@peterd.9978]

I remember buying a ticket to a non R-rated movie so I could sneak in to watch Purple Rain (since I was only 11 at the time). Loved Let's Go Crazy. Prince is the best guitarist in my book!

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's pretty incredible! Have you seen him play on My Guitar Gently Weeps, where He blows everyone away?

[@peterd.9978]

@@ProfessorofRock Yes! That's the performance that convinced me he's the best guitarist! There's also one where he performed at a SNL after party that's really good, too!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I would have done the same!

[@tracynorman1455]

@ peterd I was 12 and our local theater would let you in with a note from your parents.

[@peterd.9978]

@@tracynorman1455 That's pretty cool, Tracy.

[@brendabrumfield7742]

Wow! Being a fan of both Journey and Prince, I often thought that Purple Rain and Faithfully were very, very similar. Thanks for giving us the backstory 🙏🏾. And even included my queen Stevie! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MyName-pl7zn]

To me that performance of Purple Rain's guitar solo in the Superbowl was one of (if not thee) greatest live solos I have heard in my life! Even if Prince isn't your cup of tea there is no denying he was one of the greatest musicians/ songwriters of our era. Great episode professor Purple Rain is an absolutely fantastic song I love the mystical lyrics

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name! Love Prince!

[@fnjesusfreak]

Yeah, that was epic beyond epic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He performed it as it was raining! ☔️

[@rogerdeahl9629]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 The Purple One. Great artist. Great song 🎵! Thanks for giving Prince his flowers today, Professor. Have a great day.

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

Little Red Corvette and 1999 are my favorites. He seemed to be a searcher in life. I hope he's found his answers in the here after. RIP. Remember the Righteous Brothers hit Rock & Roll Heaven? I hope Prince is playing in that band.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

His purple flowers at Paisley Park…

[@arthurmagnuson142]

Incredible!!!!! 1984 was a coming of age year for me. I also was lucky enough to see Prince in concert. I thought he was the odd, funky, different artist that I wasn’t sure I really wanted to hear. Holy cow was I wrong. He was ahead of his time. He was a genius that inspired us all

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Was it on his big tour?

[@catherine6653]

Prince performance of Purple Rain during Superbowl half time is so memorable for me. It was amazing when it started raining 🌧. He is a music genius and smart in the music business.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed. One of the best ever. Did you ever get to see him live?

[@catherine6653]

​@@ProfessorofRockNo. Only seen him on T.V. 😊

[@Ohyeahduh]

You know the concert is beyond epic when God himself provides the effects.

[@catherine6653]

Well said. 👍

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the greatest Super Bowl halftime shows ever.

[@samson7842]

I started writing songs all because I wanted to be like Prince. Literally, changed the course of my life. There are important, loved people in my life that I would never have met had I not discovered Prince’s music.

[@midnightdreemz1509]

RIP Prince 😪. The word LEGEND doesnt even begin to describe you. You're sorely missed in my heart and will always be. Thank you for sharing segment with us.

[@chrisbates5146]

The passage of time has proven that Purple Rain is one the best songs of all time. I get chills every time I hear it. My cousin played it at her wedding reception and even everyone not dancing to it got really quiet.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When I hear it I raise my hand up high in sheer reverence.

[@rabby-u]

Much respect for Prince!❤ Music genius, matched with humility. Doves Cry is a special song, here's to a special artist. 🙏🕊

[@ProfessorofRock]

Genius indeed.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He came out on top in 1984!

[@digital_crickets]

I can't listen to "Sometimes it Snows in April" without crying like a baby. Prince was a gift to the Human Race!

[@aspalovin]

Thanks for a great episode on my B day professor... I'm gonna go check out that live performance of While My Guitar Gently Weeps... Prince just melts the guitar!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a top notch performance!

[@editboy23]

I love how you play little clips of each song you mention, even if it's not the song you're featuring. It really brings it to life. Also gotta say, as a video professional, your stuff looks fantastic. Lighting is really nice, that's hard to nail.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you. Are you new to the channel?

[@editboy23]

I've been watching for a year or so. Great content, I'm not sure how you produce so much high quality work!@@ProfessorofRock

[@LazyIRanch]

I'm always amazed by the quality of the Professor's interviews! It's one thing to even get interviews with legends that defined the 70s, 80s, and 90s for most of us, but everyone seems to love chatting with Adam. I think it's because he's such a down-to-earth guy who makes them feel comfortable, and always respected. Adam does his research so thoroughly that sometimes he knows stuff the artist didn't or has forgotten. It bugs me when I watch late night shows to see interviews with artists I love, only to see the host talk over them the whole (brief) time or pull silly stunts during their interviews. I quit watching Fallon because of this, but grew to love Colbert because of his sincere love of the musicians he has on his show. In the video where he sang a duet with John Prine in 2016, "That's The Way The World Goes 'Round", it's obvious that Colbert truly loves (and knows) Prine's music well. Prine died from COVID in early 2020, now that song makes me cry every time even though I love to sing it. Maybe someday I'll be able to sing it without choking up. "It's a half an inch of water, but you think your gonna drown" is what I tell myself when my problems seem insurmountable. Just before they sing, Colbert says, "We're probably going to do this for the internet, unless something TERRIBLE happens and we have to cheer up the world." DANG! That was prophetic!

[@kfemme68]

​@@LazyIRanchI completely agree with you about the Professor and Colbert. They are both class acts! 🫶🫶🫶

[@chrisbenson6683]

Prince was never my cup of tea as a musical presence, but his talent and abilities are certainly undeniable. The number of successful songs which he wrote for himself and others is stunning, and as many point out, he was a multi-instrumentalist and a very good one.

[@shanewoods1980]

I’m with you on that, he never was someone that I listened to but to watch his live performance of purple rain in Syracuse in 1985 is just amazing. purple rain is the only song by prince that I’ve ever listened to just because his music just didn’t fit me. But man was a very talented musician in every aspect. He deserves all the success and accolades he received and more

[@Ed7501]

The only song that can bring tears to my eyes. Especially the Superbowl version. Prince is the goat.

[@snakeeyes3733]

An epic tune. One of the greatest songs and compositions of all time. Prince was a legend.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question. Epic is an understatement! Did you ever get to see him live?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a perfect song.

[@bluecurlygirl]

God, I miss Prince so much still. I'm 53 years of age and I cried like a baby for weeks when he died. We'll never, ever see another musical genius like him.

[@01meddles]

Me too. The only celebrity I ever cried over.💜

[@Vishiaeq]

There will never be another Prince. He was such a musical genius and launched the careers of so many others. Purple Rain was the first Cassette tape that I went out and bought for myself at age 9. That movie and soundtrack launched my absolute love of music. He inspired more people than he ever knew about. That halftime show will never be topped.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

I love students of music. They are great songwriters and often pay homage to those before them. To know that Prince had the wisdom to call Jonathan Cain says a lot about his character.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true... He's the man!

[@matthewryan8463]

@@ProfessorofRock I also appreciate that Cain listened to it and was all "nah, it's cool" about any potential similarities. I imagine that Prince calling him first though helped that opinion, rather than having to have somebody pointing it out to Journey (or them hearing it themselves) after the song comes out.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Definitely. The great thing about collaborations.

[@johnglielmi6428]

Prince was one of the greatest composers and players of our generation. I actually liked his 1999 album more than Michael Jacksons Thriller album. So many up tempo tunes, they just made you smile! So sad we lost him too soon. Others that were lost too soon Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughn. can any of you even imagine what music would have sounded like if they had still been around? R.I.P Prince, Jimi, Janis and Stevie. miss every one of you.

[@samanthahernandez6286]

❤❤❤❤ Prince! Purple Rain is one of my top songs ever! Edit to say that not seeing him live is probably one of my biggest regrets. I've seen a lot of amazing artists, I wish I could have added him to the list. Life is short, go.see the show!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I share that regret too.

[@blazerhawkdarren68]

Still hard to believe that we lost Prince 😢 He really put a lot of passion in his music and it really showed. One of the few artists that didn't have a big ego but kept things to himself. He was truly unique.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Huge loss...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Music was his true passion.

[@gr8fulpn]

I liked Prince’s music but never really gave him much thought until after I heard him play “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and he absolutely blew me away. Gave me a new appreciation.

[@thebluestig2654]

Prince had FIVE albums before Purple Rain, *_and every single one of them had ballads on them_* so there's no possible way that the Purple Rain title track could be considered his first ballad. The man knew how to write music of ALL styles and he knew how to play almost every instrument in those songs. He is the ONLY credit on his first album because he did it all himself, every instrument, all the singing, and all the recording and mixing and mastering. He was, and still remains, the single most talented man in the R&B/Funk genres.

[@charleyanne]

🙏🏼🙏🏼 Prince 🙏🏼🙏🏼. He exploded in 84. I remember my bff was into him even before this & rightfully so. Great class today, Adam, PoR!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching CharleyAnne!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He has hits as far back as 1979!

[@charleyanne]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 yup. I moved to MI in 84 & knew his hits but in my eyes he was still just ok. Then I met my friend & between Prince & Adam And, I knew all the songs!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@charleyanne I think 1999 is what changed the game for us.

[@joermnyc]

I remember a documentary on Super Bowl halftime shows. When they got to Prince they were speaking with the director and he had to break it to Prince that it was supposed to rain all day and night during the game and the halftime show. Prince’s response. “…can you make it rain harder?”

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the most iconic statements.

[@tomcanterbury7139]

One of my favorite projects Prince completed was the 1989 Batman soundtrack. His music was so well done for the movie. I do not think it could have been better done. RIP Prince.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He aced it on that one.

[@melanieshaw3210]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980I just watched this the other night! I heard Prince singing as the final credits started. I'm going to have to rewatch...

[@JoeSmith-fu9yx]

Didn’t know he shopped it to Stevie Nicks, love her writing but I’m with you that prince was the only one who could’ve written this gem. I remember when it came out and the similarities between faithfully and purple rain were so obvious but nobody cared at that time, so many songs were like that yet still totally different it was an awesome thing.

[@djmylesmatisse]

With the amount of music Prince created in his lifetime combined with the absolutely incredible skill he had playing multiple instruments, in production, in songwriting, in creating other bands, with dancing and much more, to me he's the greatest musician and artist not only in the modem era but the history of the planet. No one comes close and never will again.

[@wyomingpat6250]

I was stationed in Berlin Germany in 1984. Purple Rain was huge in the dance club, radio and of course on TV RIP Prince you will be forever missed and remembered .

[@timil64]

I was in Kitzingen Germany from 83-85. Yes it was.

[@kimberlyridenour8003]

Purple Rain is one of the most iconic songs ever. I wanted to go see the movie so bad but my parents would not let me because I was only 13. But I have seen it many times since and I have the album framed on my living room wall!

[@michaelsingletary4526]

💜

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Were you not able to see it until years later?

[@bwicklander]

I was 13 too Kimberly - my parents wouldn't allow me either to see the movie or get the album. I took my lunch money and snuck over to the store to buy the album when it came out. I had to play it secretly in my bedroom. lol

[@danielfox3003]

I was a judgmental teenage metal head when purple rain came out. I liked heavy metal and laughed at any new wave, pop, country… pretty much any other style of music. It must’ve been quite a few years before I actually watched the movie (back in the days when you had to go to the video store to rent movies). I finally watched the movie and I regretfully enjoyed it. It was a great movie and I realized just how talented Prince was. I’m old now and I like all different kinds of music, if it’s from the heart and the people involved are actually talented, then I can appreciate it.

[@jdizzle3740]

PRINCE WAS AN EVER EVOLVING MUSICAL GENIUS!!!!! I remember discussing him in my college Music 201 class and the raw emotion and passion each classmate felt regarding all of his music speaks volumes on how talented he was. Prince transcended race, creed, origin, religious beliefs and did what music is supposed to do, spoke to each and every one of us and in some way touched our souls and brought us together.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was the embodiment of “class act.”

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Prince = once in a lifetime artist.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One in a BILLION.

[@Mournyr]

Purple Rain is just a perfect song. The vocals, the lyrics, the music, it all just moves you. And the lead at the end of it is just intensely powerful.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I have real personal stories from this iconic Artist 🎨

[@aprilmorris4588]

Prince wasn't just a prince, he turned into one of the Kings of that era. I loved his music before Purple 💜 Rain, yet that song took it to a whole new level. Even my friends who didn't like Prince were suddenly won over. For the next few years in High School, that song was regularly played in our cars, homes, and even school with our boom boxes. 😅 I'm so glad I don't have to carry those heavy suckers around (a dozen D batteries 🪫 can get to be too much, which is why mostly the guys had those). Sleep in peace 🕊️ Prince. See you in Paradise for the best Rock concert 🎤🎶 ever!

[@Reply-who-me]

I was so sad when he passed, I remember listening to the purple rain tape in the car with my mom as a elementary kid. It will always make me think of my dearly departed mom who was also a lover of purple.

[@mgabbard]

Prince's Super Bowl halftime show was the greatest halftime show ever.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed. What was your favorite part?

[@mgabbard]

@@ProfessorofRock Purple Rain in the driving rain of course. IMO - I think it ranks up there with his playing of 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at the George Harrison tribute at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. His guitar still hasn't come down. :)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Without a doubt.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the most epic ending (outro) of a song from the 80s?

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

Medicine Train The Cult

[@nedhorner]

Sledgehammer Peter Gabriel

[@Whisper_292]

Nothing even comes close to Purple Rain. I won't even make a list today.

[@DC8091]

Paradise City - GNR

[@Lam_3-22-23]

The first that comes to mind is The Look of Love -ABC Long White Cadillac - Dwight Yoakum

[@mournblade1066]

_Purple Rain_ is such a great album--not a single bad track on the entire album. And I submit that "When Doves Cry" is the single greatest song of the 1980s.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No bass!

[@williamwilkinson6665]

@mournblade1066....no the song that kicked When Doves Cry out of #1, Ghost Busters by Ray Parker Jr is the best song of the 80s

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You’re not wrong there.

[@brianweber4154]

​@@williamwilkinson6665stolen also

[@bekadid]

He was my first musical memory, and my favorite of all time. And no one will ever top that halftime show. 💜

[@sariahut1]

One of the most gifted artists of the rock era. I will always love his amazing music.

[@laurat1129]

I love this story about “Purple Rain”, from Stevie Nicks to Prince himself all the way through to Journey. Three great songs all derived from each other, but with each artist’s sound, story, and voice - uniquely their own. Prince was a class act, so confident in his own music and talent that he could honor himself while also respecting other artists. That’s why almost everyone loved him. If you don’t acknowledge inspiration, you lose the muse… 1983/84 was an amazing time for music, but the charts only tell what was popular at the time. Just finally saw one of my fave bands, Duran Duran, in concert for the first time last week, dunno what took me so long, but they’re even better, more meaningful and profound all these years later. Fortunately, I had the wherewithal in 2004 to see Prince in concert at Staples Center, LA, and it was unforgettable. The great artists endure, and he lives on, still gifting us from the heavens above (or his estate) w/unreleased music = PROLIFIC.💜🎸☔️☮️🕊️

[@davidself5235]

I left school in 1984 so this was my music in my journey from child to adult. Helluva year. Thank you for the music. Forever in our hearts and minds.

[@nufsaid8503]

Wow. Just went to listen to the full song, as it's been a while. The raw emotion is palpable, like he made this song his hill to die on. I saw Prince in Toronto, December 1984 and didn't realize then how fortunate I was to have witnessed a rising icon. Thanks for bringing this song back to my conscious awareness, I shouldn't wait so long to enjoy it again and again.

[@jamalstephenson7140]

I love the respect shown between musicians. That's awesome!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That is what music is all about…camaraderie.

[@strangersname]

@@ProfessorofRock He didn't, apparently show much respect to the late and wonderful Sinead O'Connor, alas...

[@waynevia6976]

Prince was definitely one of the best singers ever. Prince had some of the best songs ever. I love take me with you, and computer blue are among my two favorite songs. He was awesome, and still is awesome.

[@ericbgordon1575]

"Purple Rain", I was 4 years old when the song, the film and the album arrived. I've always loved the song and the album (appropriately didn't watch the movie straight through until 13 years later). I'll include here that purple is also my favorite color. It's only because Prince did it first that I haven't pushed too hard to include the color in my own music. Whatever he was really writing about, I'm thankful for how it took shape and everything that's in it. Taking a moment to step away from the song itself, I'm going to highlight the guitar Prince played during that section of the film, the Cloud guitar. Since shortly before the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody hit the cinema in 2018, part of me has been hankering for a duplicate of the Brian May Red Special. A colleague of mine said that if people saw me slinging that kind of guitar, I would get copious requests for Queen songs. My reaction was to tell this man that it wasn't that likely. Meanwhile, Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray was seen playing a Cloud guitar in the video for their breakout hit "Fly". I highly doubt that everyone who saw that wanted Sugar Ray to launch into Prince songs. In any event, it was more likely that people would still yell for the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd, since that's what people do when they see electric guitars on stage.

[@brentcox7772]

Very cool story and interviews Professor!! Such a talented dude! Awesome album too!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks a ton!

[@gothiccomputerbuilds....5308]

A true legend and a song that will resonate through my heart FOREVER ! Thank you Prince RIP.

[@devonalomar9012]

I realize I'm not alone in saying Prince is my favorite artist of all time. No one pulls out varying emotions in me like his music. From the passion of Purple Rain and Diamonds and Pearls to the whimsy of Raspberry Beret and Partyman. From the commentary of Controversy to the mysterious 7. From the funk of I Wanna Be Your Lover to the hard hitting Thunder. Too many greats to name, all inspiring. Sad he is gone but I rejoice that his music remains .

[@johnschopp5622]

Got the once in a lifetime chance to see Prince in Minneapolis ( his home turf), when Purple Rain was the biggest thing ever. He was incredible and one of the best concerts I've ever experienced.

[@christopherleary7934]

This song just breathes, and that final two minute outtro is mesmerizing. Just brilliant from start to end.

[@wesleygraham2741]

Didn’t like his music at first but it grew on me , he was the only artist I can remember changing my mind about.

[@bpabustan]

18 years ago, my then band played in Singapore for 6 months. We were always asked to play Faithfully and Purple Rain as a medley. I never saw the connection until now. Thanks Adam!

[@brianowens4158]

Something I didn't know as a kid in the 80s, but Prince put such a stamp on music at the time - I Feel For You, When You Were Mine, Manic Monday, The Glamorous Life, and later Nothing Compares 2 U. He gave us so much.

[@CabanaBoy63]

Don't forget Sheena Easton's "Sugar Walls"

[@SteelRaptor17]

I finally got my wife into your videos, she loved the video about Steve Perry and Journey. I was born in 1971 so I feel all these videos ❤

[@SHARKVADERS]

POR and PRINCE!!!!!!! A fantastic combination!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Shark!

[@littlecatfeet9064]

Loved Prince so much and used to count down the weeks before buying a new album. I had every Prince album from For You to Diamonds and Pearls. I should really listen to everything after that. What a genius.

[@hitmixhyepock9405]

You should do a video on Tommy James. My mother used to date him back in school, they both worked at my aunts record store. There is a picture of her and him at the record store in his book about the mob and music. He also used to come over to my grandmother's house back in the late 70's, after a local show. He had tons of hits and that became hits again when they were covered by other artists.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Look him up! I interviewed him. Just search our channel!

[@SnarkNSass]

Just watched a buddy's video touring through the RocknRoll Hall of Fame... Epic 🎵🎸🎶🎤🎵 I always thought Purple Rain ☔ was definitely a Soul RocknRoll Fusion.... RockOn Y'all 💕🎵✌🏻😎

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s multiple genres at once.

[@amycrittendon3269]

Thanks for always bringing it, Professor! Prince is and always will be right at the top of my list of favorite artists. I miss him terribly. His music carries me through all my good and bad times. RIP, Prince. ❤

[@davehooper6481]

I liked how you put it. Prince got advice to write a ballad... so he wrote THE ballad. Even as a music fan that never wanted to own a Prince album I can still appreciate his greatness. It is without doubt.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And boy did he write THE ballad…

[@kalinrafaes7467]

R.I.P. P.... there will never be another like him!!

[@jasonmckenzie2835]

2016 took so many legends from us. RIP Prince.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rough year for sure.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So did 2023. 😭

[@pistolpeteOH]

On September 23, 1984, a venue called Bogarts in Cincinnati had an act called the Red, White and Blue Tour. Tickets were $5. The crowd heard ‘dearly beloved…’ as the backlight figure was at center stage. The ‘unknown band’ on the schedule that evening was Prince and The Revolution. It’s considered one of the great nights in local music history.

[@lukeconverse6632]

One of the best ever. Price talent was almost unmatched and had so many great songs

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Hey ProRo ,👋 I am listening to this 12 inch single as I turned on your video

[@MetalMama-Mimi523]

It's still so hard to believe he's gone 😥

[@racegts]

Princes guitar solo at the George Harrison benefit is one of the BEST in music history! PERIOD!!!🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@Jagangela]

Another awesome segment!

[@jennyroberts5370]

I was very fortunate to catch the Rainbow Children tour on April 30, 2002 in Portland Oregon at the Arlene Schnitzer concert hall where he did not perform Purple Rain or any previous hits, though it was, as usual, a mesmerizing show. I stayed long enough afterwards to hear the announcer say over the loudspeaker that Prince would be performing an after show down the street at the Roseland theater, which was comparatively small. I ran faster than ever before in my life to get there. He played all the hits into the early morning hours. Once inside, I pushed myself up against the stage barriers and was deeply blessed with some eye contact from the man himself, including during Purple Rain. So grateful to see this show today as it’s flooded my heart with such a precious memory. Thanks Adam!

[@69fcortina]

I have to wonder how many hundreds of hours of unreleased Prince tapes there are- and if we will ever hear them. An always working perfectionist.

[@christrotter3052]

Just....one of greatest songs ever. So powerful and saturated in emotion

[@gregwasserman2635]

I was never a Prince fan, but, man, this song was HUGE back in '84. I began my senior year in HS in '84 and this song became an anthem for our senior class. I was getting into much heavier music at that point in my life, but it was crazy to see people wearing his style of clothes or getting their haircut like him or someone in the Revolution.

[@jimmorrison7417]

I was 15 in 1984. I saw Prince & Sheila E in Landsdown MD. 35 years later I found out I could watch that same concert I was at on KZbin. Time Machine magic , all these years later and I can rewatch the memory on my phone . Surreal.

[@GenXLostInTx]

I can remember hearing these songs back then, and it was amazing, even for a child just running around the house singing along.

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

1999 was the first Prince album I bought. Lucky, my pops was pretty lenient with what I could listen to. He laughed out loud at the 1 on the album cover and got a kick out of Lady Cabdriver. Many of my friends had their copies either confiscated or destroyed and thrown away by their parents. Lucky me!🖖🏼

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good dad!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally

[@bukitkatilmp]

Simon Le Bon, Prince, Eddie Van Halen and Bruce Springsteen. The t-shirt you are wearing covers 1984 to the tee 😃

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@samanthahernandez6286]

​@@ProfessorofRock Are you bringing this shirt back? I couldn't find it in your store just now when I went to look. Love this design!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The best year ever.

[@elttabykcir]

That was a great time in my life. The music was so new and beautiful back then.

[@nedhorner]

Professor, you have the best youtube channel ever. No doubt! Somebody change my mind!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow, thanks! What would you like to see next?

[@nedhorner]

@@ProfessorofRock Have you talked about Achilles Last Stand by Led Zeppelin? Probably the most underrated song ever in my opinion.

[@jasonuren3479]

What an intro! Well deserved too. Epic song. How the hell did Wham keep him from #1? Smh.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding!

[@petercena9497]

It was the third single, millions had bought the album by then.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I still cannot believe it.

[@WakeupYourMakeup]

Thank you 💜 tears come to my eyes every time I hear Purple Rain 💜 I was at his concert 25th February 2016 The Piano & Microphone Tour in Perth Australia 💜 transfixed I felt he was playing just to me it was a complete ethereal experience that is embedded in my memory. on entry were told no phones, no cameras, please enter and be in the moment. And I was. He was beyond a super star. 💜 and you ate right 1984 one of my best years also. 💜💜💜

[@DC8091]

Purple Rain just rules, far to epic to be a power ballad. I remember walking through the snow in Minneapolis listening to it on repeat between bars. Great times indeed!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Minneapolis where it’s at!

[@randomtuberhandle]

Prince created so much fantastic music. I remember watching Prince's Superbowl halftime performance in 2007 live on TV. The clip shown here doesnt show just how much it was raining. It was raining pretty heavily and it was wild. If I remember right, there wasn't any rain during the actual game, just a brief downpour right at halftime. It was amazing. What are the odds of an icon like Prince performing his song named "Purple Rain" to one of the largest (in person and via TV) audiences at the time and out of nowhere, it literally starts to rain? What are the odds? And then it quickly stopped raining at some point during the halftime show or shortly after it. It gave me chills to see it. It also raised my respect for Prince even higher. Despite the rain, he still performed, amazingly. He seemed to even be inspired by the rain. You can see that he wore a napkin/handkerchief/due-rag during that halftime show. I'm pretty sure that's because they were all caught off guard by the rain last minute and he didn't have anything else but the handkerchief around his neck to put over his head at the time. That's how quickly the rain came on. I remember first noticing and asking "Is it raining?" It truly gave me chills. It seemed almost like devine intervention. I think it was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, halftime shows ever. Prince was an amazing and truly gifted musician and artist. And he seemed to be a (simply-put) "good person" despite his fame. Prince was his real birth name. And it fit him well. I think he was born for sharing his musical gift (of all his songs) and for that halftime performance. He and his artistry will always be missed.

[@stephenbrown4211]

I remember reading in Kerrang that Prince seemed to be trying to work out if he was Michael Jackson or Jimi Hendrix. Purple Rain was also the second song I danced to with my (Kayleigh) ex the night we met. When we split I couldn’t bear to listen to it for years. Love it again now.

[@thebunter]

I had just turned 18 when this song/movie came out. Already a Prince fan I was amazed when I saw the movie. Through the years I have watched the movie over 150 times and sit and watch every minute of it. Prince was a musical genius . He never gets the respect he deserves for his ability to play so many instruments and not just play them but master them. Purple rain as a song always brings me back to 1984 and I think of the girls that I wanted to sing Purple Rain for them. I still sing it in the car every time I hear it. Such a sad day when I heard Prince had passed.

[@barrysmith8920]

“I Die You Die” is one of Numan’s greatest!!.. He would be incredibly proud to know he inspired Prince! 💜

[@timstein]

Purple Rain the Albums and Film doesn't have a single bad song on them. The Time's Ice Cream Castles is an incredible companion piece to go along with Purple Rain. The Juggernaut that was Purple Rain was an incredible time in Music history. I was finishing up my Junior year of HS and getting ready for my Senior year when this masterpiece was released to Us All!!! In my hometown of Englewood, Ohio we had a movie theater that showed films that were just out of major release, and the cost to see it was only 1$ per showing. My friends and I went to see it so many times during that run!! I also had the sad privilege to go see the film again in the theaters in 2016 after Prince's passing. Not a lot of Us in the theater, but I took me back to being 17 and seeing it in the theater all those years ago! RIP to the Purple One that lives forever in Our Hearts!!!

[@myronscott8611]

He was one of greatest ever